Hals- und Beinbruch
Break a leg
بهطور تحتاللفظی: Hals (neck) - und (and) Beinbruch (leg break)
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- The German equivalent of the English theatrical phrase 'break a leg'.
- Used to wish someone success before a difficult or important task.
- Rooted in superstition to trick fate by wishing for something bad.
معنی
This is the German way of wishing someone good luck before a big event. It sounds scary because you are literally wishing they break their neck and leg, but it actually means the opposite!
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Before a friend's driving test
Du schaffst das! Hals- und Beinbruch!
You can do it! Break a leg!
Texting a colleague before a presentation
Hals- und Beinbruch für das Meeting gleich!
Break a leg for the meeting in a bit!
Before a theater performance
Die Bühne wartet auf dich. Hals- und Beinbruch!
The stage is waiting for you. Break a leg!
زمینه فرهنگی
In German theatre, it is strictly forbidden to say 'Danke' after being wished 'Hals- und Beinbruch'. Some actors even believe you should spit over your left shoulder three times while saying 'Toi, toi, toi'. The phrase is a beautiful example of the historical influence of Yiddish on the German language, showing how cultures blended in Central Europe before the 20th century. Early German pilots in WWI used this phrase. It was a way to cope with the extreme danger of early flight by making light of potential crashes. In modern German offices, the phrase has lost much of its 'scary' edge and is used almost as commonly as 'Good luck' is in English, even by people who aren't superstitious.
The Hyphen Matters
When writing, always include the hyphen after 'Hals-'. It shows you really know your German grammar!
Don't say 'Danke'
If a German wishes you this, just smile or say 'Toi, toi, toi'. It makes you look very culturally aware.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- The German equivalent of the English theatrical phrase 'break a leg'.
- Used to wish someone success before a difficult or important task.
- Rooted in superstition to trick fate by wishing for something bad.
What It Means
Hals- und Beinbruch is the ultimate German good luck charm. You say it when someone faces a challenge. It sounds violent, but it is purely superstitious. By wishing for something bad, you trick fate. It ensures only good things actually happen to your friend. It is exactly like the English 'break a leg'.
How To Use It
You use it as a standalone exclamation. Just shout it out as someone walks away. You do not need a long sentence. It works perfectly as a quick text message too. Just remember, the person should not say 'thank you'. That is considered bad luck in some circles! They should just smile or nod.
When To Use It
Use it before any high-stakes moment. Is your friend taking a driving test? Say it. Is a colleague giving a big presentation? Say it. It is perfect for exams, job interviews, or stage performances. It shows you care about their success. It adds a bit of traditional German flair to your encouragement.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a hospital. If someone actually has a broken bone, this is a terrible joke. Avoid it in very stiff, ultra-formal settings. Do not say it to a grieving person. It is for challenges, not for general life tragedies. Also, do not use it for small, everyday things like buying groceries.
Cultural Background
Most people think it comes from the Yiddish phrase hatslokhe u-brokhe. That means 'success and blessing'. To German ears, it sounded like Hals- und Beinbruch. Pilots in World War I made it very popular. They were superstitious and wanted to avoid 'the evil eye'. Now, it is a staple of the German language. It is a beautiful example of linguistic evolution.
Common Variations
You might hear Viel Glück for a standard 'good luck'. Some people just say Toi, toi, toi while knocking on wood. That is another way to ward off bad spirits. But Hals- und Beinbruch remains the most classic, dramatic choice. It feels more substantial than a simple 'good luck'. Use it when the stakes feel high.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is generally informal to neutral. In professional contexts, it is best used among colleagues who have a friendly relationship rather than in a stiff corporate board meeting.
The Hyphen Matters
When writing, always include the hyphen after 'Hals-'. It shows you really know your German grammar!
Don't say 'Danke'
If a German wishes you this, just smile or say 'Toi, toi, toi'. It makes you look very culturally aware.
Not for the Hospital
Never say this to someone who is actually injured. It will be taken literally and sound very mean!
مثالها
6Du schaffst das! Hals- und Beinbruch!
You can do it! Break a leg!
A classic use for a stressful personal milestone.
Hals- und Beinbruch für das Meeting gleich!
Break a leg for the meeting in a bit!
Short, punchy, and supportive via text.
Die Bühne wartet auf dich. Hals- und Beinbruch!
The stage is waiting for you. Break a leg!
The most traditional context for this idiom.
Hals- und Beinbruch bei der Matheprüfung!
Good luck with your math exam!
Commonly used among students for academic pressure.
Hals- und Beinbruch! Aber bitte nicht wörtlich!
Break a leg! But please not literally!
Adding a joke because the situation involves physical risk.
Ich wünsche Ihnen Hals- und Beinbruch für das Gespräch.
I wish you the best of luck for the interview.
Slightly more formal phrasing using 'I wish you'.
خودت رو بسنج
Which is the correct way to wish someone luck before a test in German?
Morgen ist deine Prüfung! ______!
The correct form requires the hyphen after 'Hals' and includes both 'Hals' and 'Bein'.
Complete the idiom with the missing word.
Ich wünsche dir Hals- und _________!
The standard idiom always pairs the neck (Hals) with the leg (Bein).
In which situation is 'Hals- und Beinbruch' appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
It is used for performances or challenges, like giving a speech.
What is the most culturally 'pro' response to 'Hals- und Beinbruch'?
A: Hals- und Beinbruch für heute! B: _________
Saying 'Toi, toi, toi' or staying silent is traditional to avoid 'cancelling' the luck.
Match the German wish to its context.
Match these:
Each wish has a specific domain of use.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
5 تمرینهاMorgen ist deine Prüfung! ______!
The correct form requires the hyphen after 'Hals' and includes both 'Hals' and 'Bein'.
Ich wünsche dir Hals- und _________!
The standard idiom always pairs the neck (Hals) with the leg (Bein).
Choose the best scenario:
It is used for performances or challenges, like giving a speech.
A: Hals- und Beinbruch für heute! B: _________
Saying 'Toi, toi, toi' or staying silent is traditional to avoid 'cancelling' the luck.
هر مورد سمت چپ را با جفتش در سمت راست مطابقت دهید:
Each wish has a specific domain of use.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
سوالات متداول
6 سوالYes, if you have a friendly relationship. If the office is very formal, stick to 'Viel Erfolg'.
It's likely because these were the most 'dramatic' sounding body parts that fit the phonetic sound of the original Yiddish phrase.
You can wish it to the groom before his speech, but don't wish it for the marriage itself.
Yes, it is common throughout the entire German-speaking world.
Don't worry! Modern Germans know it's just a superstition. They won't think you're cursed.
No, it is a fixed singular expression used for one person or a group.
عبارات مرتبط
Toi, toi, toi
similarAn onomatopoeic wish for luck, mimicking spitting.
Daumen drücken
similarTo press one's thumbs (equivalent to crossing fingers).
Viel Erfolg
synonymMuch success.
Mast- und Schotbruch
specialized formLuck wish for sailors.
Gute Besserung
contrastGet well soon.
